Pontoons to be retrofitted for $4.13B Seattle bridge projectDue to the design flaw that caused cracks in the first concrete pontoons built for Seattle's new State Route 520 floating bridge, all pontoons under construction, and those already built, will need to undergo new "transverse post-tensioning for end walls and bolt beams," according to this article. The revisions could delay completion of the $4.13 billion project and eat into the $250 million contingency fund. The cost of the repairs is unclear. Engineering News-Record
(3/11)

Reimagine, Reengineer, Rebuild with NJIT's online programs in Civil Engineering. Learn from expert faculty at a top-tier research institution, completely online. We now offer a Master's with specializations in Construction Management, Structural Design/Construction, and Transportation, with Graduate Certificates in Construction and Project Management. Click here to learn more.

Infrastructure Watch

Slide show: Tour of U.K.'s $22B Crossrail projectFive massive tunnel-boring machines are at work underneath the streets of London to build the $22 billion Crossrail line, the largest construction project in Europe. The job calls for a 73-mile rail line and eight underground stations. This article includes a slide show giving a glimpse of the project's progress from various vantage points. The Huffington Post/U.K.
(3/11)

Calif.'s $333M transport funding budget includes rail projectsAn estimated $100 million will be allocated for rail projects in California as part of a $333 million funding program to develop the state's transportation network. Among the 91 projects are the Alameda Corridor-East Construction Authority's grade separation plan involving BNSF and Union Pacific's tracks. "Investing in our transportation infrastructure creates a better future for all Californians," said Malcolm Dougherty, state transportation department director. RT&S online
(3/8)

Transportation budget is trimmed in House resolutionA continuing resolution measure that would cut $785 million from the U.S. transportation budget has been approved in the House of Representatives as part of a funding resolution for fiscal 2013. The measure goes against funding requirements set forth by MAP-21. The resolution offers more flexibility to military and veterans programs to counter the sequester's automatic cuts. The measure drew criticism in the Senate, which is under pressure to accept the bill in order to prevent a potential government shutdown. StreetsBlog.org/Washington, D.C.
(3/8), Roll Call (free content)
(3/4)

Healthcare sector plans to spend on new, renovated buildingsNew construction and renovation of medical facilities are among the healthcare industry's priorities for their capital expenditure plans this year, according to a recent poll by HealthLeaders. Among 125 respondents, 47% are planning renovation projects and 26% expect to build new facilities. Investment plans aim to improve business operations and increase safety by making buildings more capable of withstanding natural disasters. HealthLeaders Media
(3/11)

Sustainable Development

Seattle 3D model provides example to build sustainable projectsThe continued use and expansion of the three-dimensional model of the city of Seattle has evolved into a model for sustainable development, this article notes. The model of the city leverages many modeling and design tools, including Autodesk's AutoCAD, Revit, and Civil3D, in addition to GIS, laser data and images of exterior structures. "As traditional BIM has done for individual buildings, comprehensive 3D city modeling can now do for the larger urban landscape," Tom Schueneman writes. TriplePundit.com
(3/11)

Report: Green buildings offer a wide range of benefitsGreen buildings can offer benefits to a wide array of stakeholders throughout their life cycle, according to a report released by the World Green Building Council. "From risk mitigation across a building portfolio and city-wide economic benefits, to the improved health and well-being of individual building occupants, the business case for green building will continue to evolve as markets mature," said Jane Henley, CEO of WorldGBC. Daily Commercial News
(3/11)

Advancing the Profession

The power of treating people with respectLeaders who focus more on "why people can't be trusted" than communicating openly risk turning off team members who can be trusted and care about doing a good job, Karin Hurt writes. "In fact, the more you treat others with deep respect, the more likely the team will work to reject any member acting inappropriately," she writes. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Leadership
(3/8)

News from ASCE

ASCE set to debut 2013 Report Card, now as a convenient phone/tablet app

A week from today, America will find out the grades civil engineers are giving our nation's infrastructure, including roads, waterworks, electric grid, transit, ports and more. ASCE will debut the new 2013 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, issuing grades in 16 categories, plus an overall GPA. This year, the Report Card will be as convenient as your smartphone or tablet, available as an app via the iTunes and Google Play stores and at www.infrastructurereportcard.org. Dive into the details behind the grades, including interactive graphics and charts, specifics for every state, and new this year, more than 100 "success stories." With the most comprehensive and clear reference on America’s infrastructure available anytime, it will be easy to share the grades with friends, coworkers or professional groups, local leaders, and even your member of Congress. Sign up now for an email reminder of the launch next Tuesday, and to download the app then, at www.infrastructurereportcard.org.

Free ASCE eLearning Webinar Wednesday: Careers in Structural EngineeringStructural engineers are at the forefront of designing the world's most impressive structures, from the tallest buildings to the longest bridges. They work to design the safe, sustainable, and efficient structures in which we all live, work, play, travel over and rely on each day. Join the leaders of ASCE's Structural Engineering Institute for a live webinar geared to students and younger members on career paths and employment opportunities in structural engineering. Get your questions answered live and learn more about how SEI can assist in launching your career. This eLearning Webinar, free for ASCE members only, will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, March 13, from 3-4 p.m. ET. Sign up now.